How to Get Rid of Folliculitis at Home Naturally

How to Get Rid of Folliculitis at Home Naturally

The tiny red bumps on your cheeks, neck, arms and legs look very unsightly, and are bothering you quite a bit. Moreover, they take days to disappear once they show up. You are not sure whether to see a dermatologist – but before you do that – did you know that you can get rid of this condition – medically known as Folliculitis – by treating yourself at home, naturally? It is a skin disorder affecting a good percentage of the world’s population, but there is not much to worry about- it may feel itchy at times, and it spoils your appearance, but it is basically harmless.

Folliculitis may affect any part of the body but the nape of the neck, armpits and groin are the worst affected. They are characteristically a cluster of smooth reddish bumps, and redness around the area where they appear, indicating inflammation of that area. The inflammation can be viral, fungal or bacterial depending on the environment in which the person has been present. i.e., Hot tub folliculitis can occur among persons used to bathtubs, while Herpetic folliculitis occurs as a result of Herpes simplex virus etc. The itchiness may tempt you to scratch the area (not recommended) and when you do so, there is a probability of finding a tiny hair trapped in the base. The condition resembles other skin disorders, and an examination of the tissues of the skin under a microscope may help, along with a skin biopsy, in arriving at a conclusion as to the type of disorder and its cause.

Causes:

Folliculitis occurs when the hair follicle is damaged. This can happen as a result of an insect bite, or combing the hair too roughly, or plaiting it too tightly, or while shaving, or even you are not gentle while massaging or brushing your skin. Bacteria in the surrounding areas are then quick to act on the damaged follicles. In rare cases, anaemic persons can suffer from folliculitis. Lack of Vitamin A in the diet can also contribute to this condition.

Treatment:

Ylang Ylang is an essential oil with anti-seborrhoic and antiseptic properties, available easily with any chemist. A few drops of this oil can be added to the bath water – or it can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied directly over the bumps on the skin for good relief.

Thyme or lavender essential oils have antibacterial properties and can thus be used for relief from skin bumps arising out of bacterial infection. A compress made of water to which some drops of either of these oils is added, is to be applied over the affected area to get rid of the condition.

The root of the Echinacea herb, and sometimes the flowers and leaves, are made use of in the treatment of skin disorders such as folliculitis because of its antibiotic properties. It can be used both internally and externally to give relief. Combined with zinc, it is still more effective.

White vinegar compresses can also be used to treat folliculitis. It needs to be warmed before use. If the problem area is the legs or hands, you can submerge the limb in a bucket of water to which sufficient white vinegar has been added. If you can withstand the burning sensation this treatment brings about, you can very effectively cure your folliculitis.

Garlic is yet another substance which can relieve the symptoms of folliculitis. 3 cloves of garlic need to be taken internally at the first signs of the condition. Those who are on blood-thinning medications however, need to apply this remedy with caution.

Folliculitis is a fairly simple condition which responds to several forms of natural treatment. If you still need more information on natural remedies for this condition, do get in touch with a Professional Natural Therapist.